Police arrest wanted criminals after luring them in fake Christmas hamper offer

Wanted criminals have been arrested after they were tricked into entering a Christmas hamper offer by police.

Officers from South Yorkshire Police sent a card to a list of wanted people, advising them they had been selected to receive a free hamper and just needed to book a delivery slot.

But when the knock on the door came, the recipients were instead arrested and delivered before the courts.

South Yorkshire Police said it made 21 arrests over two days.

Detective chief inspector Lee Berry, who oversaw the operation, said: "Some of those arrested were wanted in relation to serious charges, including supplying an illegal article into prison, dangerous driving, drink driving, assault and fraud.

"It's encouraging that our innovative approach has yielded positive results and we will continue to explore new avenues for apprehending those wanted, which impacts upon the victims of crime.

"Sending officers to addresses where wanted people no longer reside is also a drain on valuable police resources."

The people arrested on 18 and 19 December had responded to the offer from fictional company Herald Hampers.

Some were wanted in relation to burglaries, drink-driving, drugs offences and harassment.

Many of the cases were concluded in a single day in court, including driving disqualifications, a recall to prison, a curfew and fines being imposed.

One individual was also remanded into police custody.

Det Chief Insp Berry said: "If you commit crime in South Yorkshire we will come for you at any time, any place and in any guise to ensure we bring offenders to justice and keep our communities safe."